MBE for mental health worker Paula Phillips

An NHS worker has been awarded the MBE for her dedication in helping young offenders with mental health conditions.

Paula Phillips was named in the Queen’s Near Year list for her work with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Ms Phillips works for the forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), which helps people aged under 18 who are in contact with the criminal justice system or are at risk of offending.

She is also general manager of Newton Lodge, a 90-bed medium secure unit at Fieldhead Hospital in Wakefield.

Ms Phillips, who lives in the city, said: “I was absolutely stunned when I received the letter. I wasn’t sure what it was at first but I sat down and took it in and couldn’t believe it.

“It’s amazing to be rewarded for something I believe I should be doing. It’s an honour to do my job.

“This is an award not just for me, but also for my team and the Trust.

“It is an amazing reward for me personally but I don’t think I would have achieved what I have without the support of the Trust and the people around me. It has been so amazing.”

Ms Phillips is also doing a PhD at Huddersfield University, exploring attitudes towards young offenders among criminal justice workers.

Steven Michael, chief executive of South West Yorkshire Partnership Mental Health Trust, said: “Paula goes above and beyond in everything that she does and I am absolutely delighted to see that she has been chosen to receive an MBE.

“It’s an honour to have someone as enthusiastic and committed as her working for our Trust, and for her to be recognised in this way is entirely deserved.”